MRSA: Public Restrooms Cleaner Than Steering Wheels
The Arizona Daily Star reports that a University of Arizona researcher has tested the levels of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on steering wheels and seat belt buckes. Jonathan Sexton discovered the bug on 32.4 percent of these automotive surfaces; nine percent of the microbes were methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. In comparison, Sexton discovered just 6.3 percent of public restrooms harbored S. aureus and MRSA. Just in case you're wondering, "Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin and in the noses of healthy individuals. It may cause infections with symptoms ranging from pimples, boils and other skin conditions to life-threatening pneumonias and blood stream infections." To wit: a eighteen-year-old Virginia girl died of MRSA on Monday. We recommend some anti-bacterial wipes and a bottle of Purcel the next time you rent a car.
More by Robert Farago
Comments
Join the conversation
Driving gloves, goggles, and high-ankled boots may be making a comeback.
Such reactions!!! All you have to do is run a handi-wipe around the steering wheel and gearshift knob and you're fine.
Forget handi-wipes. What we really need is disposable cars. And guess who's already building them. See, everything is going to work out.